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Menopause

The Menopause Hub - advice and health information for menopausal women

The menopause brings about a host of physical and psychological symptoms for women. At Forth, we've worked with experts to bring you the best advice and information on surviving and thriving during the menopause, and beyond.

Latest

Diet Tips for Menopausal Women

Menopause is a natural life stage in every woman’s life and diet is really important to help control and relieve its symptoms. The long-term effects of the menopause are that the depletion of the hormone oestrogen causes changes to the body leaving women susceptible to health complications such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. However, lifestyle changes can reduce these risks and diet is a major influence.

Menopause and Pregnancy

The menopause means you can’t get pregnant, right? But the idea that you can’t get pregnant while the menopause is happening isn’t entirely true.

Menopause & Low libido

Loss of libido during the menopause is common and can affect 20-40 per cent of women. Unfortunately, it can be one of the most difficult symptoms to manage and is caused by a mix of psychological, physical and hormonal factors.

Popular

The Menopause and Libido: Managing Menopausal Low Libido

Some women experience a drop in libido, either in the short or long term, during the menopause. What's normal? And what can you do about it?

A Study of Menopause in the Workplace

In general, the menopause, its effects and symptoms are rarely discussed within a professional context. We carried out a study to gain insight and statistics about the menopause in the workplace.

Managing and losing weight during menopause

Weight gain is experienced by many menopausal women. How do you go about managing and maintaining a healthy weight during the menopause? Or losing any excess weight gained? We give you our top tips from our expert.

Archive

Menopause & Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can be a real pain in the…. well, you know where and it is a common symptom of the menopause. Changes to our hormone levels are to blame for vaginal dryness, particularly the reduction in oestradiol, a type of oestrogen, during both perimenopause and post-menopause.

Menopause and Relationships

Long terms relationships can be tough but add in the menopause and the strain can really begin to show. Not only can hormone changes impact on your mood and sleep patterns but physical changes can also mean that sex is very much off the agenda.

Common symptoms of the menopause - memory loss

Digital calendar reminders, post-it notes, scribbles on the back of the hand - are all part of the tool-kit for your average menopausal woman. Changes to your memory during the menopause often mimic the symptoms associated with early dementia, but they are one of the natural symptoms of the menopause.

Common symptoms of the menopause – reduced concentration

If you are noticing you’re finding it more difficult to concentrate, focus or remember things, chances are you’re experiencing the same as 47 per cent of 1000 women we surveyed. Reduced concentration is another symptom of the menopause women have to endure.

Common symptoms of the menopause – low mood, anxiety and depression

The transition towards the menopause can come at an already challenging stage in a woman’s life. Research shows that 61% of perimenopausal women experience low mood and for some this can evolve into severe depression.

Common symptoms of the menopause - Night Sweats

It's menopause awareness month, and we'll shinning the light on the most common symptoms women experience when transitioning through the menopause. Today, it’s the turn of the 'night sweat'.

Common symptoms of the menopause – Hot Flushes

Hot flushes are the classic symptom of the menopause. Often the butt of jokes, for 20% of women hot flushes significantly affect a woman’s sleep patterns, confidence at work and general quality of life

What hormone changes occur during the menopause?

For many women the transition through the menopause is no joking matter. Hot flashes, depression, memory loss, fatigue are just some of the symptoms women face. The move towards the menopause is triggered by significant changes in the levels of key hormones. #menopuaseawarenessmonth #itsnojokingmatter

What are the stages and symptoms of the menopause?

September is Menopause Awareness Month. Unfortunately, the menopause affects all women and is a natural part of ageing. However not all of us are affected by the same symptoms and some women’s lives are more detrimentally affected more than others. This month we will be shinning the light on the symptoms caused by the menopause.

The menopause and sleep patterns: how to get a good night's sleep

Sleep problems can be part and parcel of the menopause for many women. But with a good night's sleep, you'll feel more able to manage your symptoms and feel well. Our sleep expert has compiled some tips to make sure you get the best night's sleep.

The menopause and a healthy diet: what's a good diet for menopausal women?

With the risk of bone density loss and the potential for weight gain or loss during the menopause, a healthy diet is essential to thriving. Our expert gives you tips on how to achieve a balanced diet during the menopause.

The menopause and a healthy lifestyle

We give you advice and tips on achieving a healthy lifestyle during the menopause, including expert advice on diet, exercise and weight management for menopausal women.

Hormone replacement therapy during the menopause

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a widely available treatment option for the symptoms of the menopause. What are the pros and cons of taking HRT?

Natural treatments for the menopause - HRT alternatives

Many women going through the menopause are keen to find out what alternatives there are to HRT, particularly natural treatments. Research is still being undertaken into this area; we've rounded up some of the natural treatments that are currently recommended.

Treatment and medication options for the menopause in the uk

The menopause brings with it a host of uncomfortable symptoms. What are the treatment options in the UK to help you manage the menopause and reduce the discomfort associated with the symptoms?

The menopause and bone density loss

Some women lose as much as 20 per cent of their bone density during the menopause. Why is this, and what can you do to stop this happening?

The menopause and mood swings: low mood, anxiety and depression during the menopause

Many women in the perimenopause, and menopause, will experience a change in mood. Symptoms may range from low mood, to more severe anxiety or depression. What should you expect and how can you cope with these changes?

Menopause and insomnia: Sleeping problems during the menopause

Many menopausal women experience sleeping problems, including insomnia, oversleeping or difficult staying asleep. Here's our advice to help you manage your sleep issues.

Managing hot flushes during the menopause

The vast majority of women will experience hot flushes during the menopause. What should you expect? How can you manage your hot flushes?

Menopause signs and symptoms: from perimenopause onwards

What signs and symptoms can you expect when going through the perimenopause and menopause? We've worked with experts in this field to compile comprehensive information about the menopause, its symptoms and how to manage them.

Am I in the menopause?

Are you experiencing symptoms you think may be caused by the menopause? Our experts explain what may be happening to your body during the menopause.

MENOPAUSE FAQs

We asked our experts to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the menopause. If you've got a question that isn't covered here, please get in touch.

I'm suffering from hot flushes, especially at night. What other symptoms should I expect during the menopause?

What symptoms can you expect when going through the perimenopause and menopause? Our experts explain what symptoms you may experience, and how to manage them.

If I'm in the menopause, does that mean I'm going to get osteoporosis?

Falling oestrogen levels can affect your bone health. Will this lead to osteoporosis, and how can you prevent this happening?

I'm struggling to sleep at night and am tired all the time. Why is this and what can I do about it?

Many menopausal women experience sleeping problems, including insomnia, oversleeping or difficulty staying asleep, leaving them tired during the day. How can you manage these?

I've put on weight recently, due to the menopause. What can I do about this?

Are you suffering from weight gain due to the menopause? How can you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight through this period of change?

What medication should I consider to help control my menopause symptoms, and is it safe?

The menopause brings with it a host of uncomfortable symptoms. What are the treatment options in the UK to help you manage the menopause and reduce the discomfort associated with the symptoms?

How should I change my diet to help improve my menopause symptoms?

With the risk of bone density loss and the potential for weight gain or loss during the menopause, a healthy diet is essential to thriving. How can you achieve a balanced diet during the menopause?

I'm finding sex is painful, and have suffered a dramatic reduction in my libido. I'm really embarrassed to discuss this with anyone. What can I do?

A drop in libido is a common occurrence during the menopause, but many women feel embarrassed talking about this symptom. What is normal, and what can you do about it?

I don't want to take HRT, but I'm not sure if there is any scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of alternative therapies to treat the menopause. What should I do?

Many women going through the menopause are keen to find out what alternatives there are to HRT, particularly natural treatments. Here are some of the natural treatments that are currently recommended.

Are there any changes to my lifestyle that I can make to help improve the symptoms of the menopause?

Making changes to your diet, exercise regime and weight management can positively impact any woman suffering menopause symptoms.